Method of retrofitting a ground surface to resist snow and ice

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for retrofitting a ground surface with electrically resistant conduit to melt snow that accumulates on a ground surface, such as a driveway. A power source carries electrical current to an electrical coil, in some embodiments. A thermostat regulates the electrical current.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,263 entitled “Modular Artificial Turf Assembly and Method for Conducting Thermal Energy on a Ground Surface” and filed on Jun. 5, 2015 for Curtis Lemley, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a modular artificial turf assembly and method for conducting thermal energy on and around a ground surface, and more particularly relates to a resistant electric coil embedded into a sawed groove in a concrete substrate which emanates heat across a ground surface for melting snow and ice.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

It is known that under cold climatic conditions, snow and ice often accumulate in driveway, lawn, or patio area areas. This produces slippery conditions that necessitate shoveling the snow and ice, or risking the possibility of slipping and falling. The accumulation of snow and ice is especially dangerous on a cement driveway.

Typically, heating systems have been developed for thawing and drying both natural and artificial grass surfaces. These heating systems include electrical, fluid, and air heating systems. Electrical heating is implemented by means of electrical resistance elements, fluid heating by communicating heating fluid through a network of heating pipes and air heating by communicating heated air through a distribution pipe network.

In one possible solution, the snow that accumulates on the artificial turf can be heated with a blower to melt the snow, and thereby maintain a safe walking and driving condition. However, this requires physical labor and is not very automated or sensitive to changes in weather. In another possible solution, a permanent piping system can be installed beneath the artificial turf to automatically heat the snow that accumulates on the artificial turf. However, this permanent heating system is difficult to remove in the summer time when there is no snow and the need to remove the artificial turf arises.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a modular artificial turf assembly and method that generates thermal energy. Beneficially, such a modular artificial turf assembly segments and folds to form a customizable fit over a predetermined ground surface region. The assembly also generates thermal energy on the ground surface through an integrated electrical coil. The assembly may then conduct the thermal energy onto and around the ground surface through a conductive substrate that is embedded in the modular artificial turf assembly. The assembly is foldable for efficient portability and stowage.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available artificial turfs and heated driveway and roadway panels. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a method for conducting thermal energy across a retrofitted ground surface, the method comprising: determining a cement ground surface region that requires thermal energy to melt ice or snow; cutting a bidirectional channel into the cement ground surface region using a cement saw; embedding a resistive electrical coil into the directional channel such that the cement ground surface is retrofit with the electrical coil; providing electrical current from a power source to the electrical coil embedded in the lower panel; generating thermal energy in the electrical coil from resistive electricity traveling the electrical coil; and emanating heat across the cement ground surface.

The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the bidirectional channel with a polymeric adhesive after embedding the resistive electrical coil.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a modular artificial turf assembly installed in a predetermined ground surface region, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective top angle view further illustrating an upper panel of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top angle view illustrating a lower panel with an embedded electrical coil, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the upper panel folded up and plugged into a power source, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectioned view illustrating one embodiment of the lower panel and embedded electrical coil in an exemplary driveway, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the lower panel and embedded electrical coil in an exemplary driveway, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a lower panel having a connection groove receiver for snap-fit interaction with an upper panel, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectioned top view of an upper panel overlaying the lower panel, with at least one base connector for fastening the upper panel to the lower panel, and an integrated heat wire system, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a solar panel powering the heat wire system, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a backup battery disengaged from the solar panel, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method for conducting thermal energy on a ground surface with a modular artificial turf assembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplar driveway for retrofitting in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12B illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplar driveway retrofitted in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is an entity-relationship diagram in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 1 depicts a modular artificial turf assembly 100, hereafter, “assembly 100”, that is configured to conduct thermal energy for melting snow and ice that accumulates on a predetermined ground surface region 124, such as a driveway, patio, yard, or commercial area. The assembly 100 is sufficiently foldable and segmental, such that at least one module may be cut from the assembly 100 to match the size and dimension of the ground surface region 124. The modular arrangement of the assembly 100 enables adaptability into myriad sizes and dimensions for customizable fitting onto the ground surface region 124 and the surrounding environments. The assembly 100 is also sufficiently foldable, such that stowage and portability are facilitated. Suitable materials for the assembly 100 may include, without limitation, an infill layer of particulate material made up substantially of sand and/or granulated recycled tire rubber.

The assembly 100 generates thermal energy through resistive heating from an imbedded electrical coil 112. The thermal energy is conducted through a conductive substrate (not shown) and directed towards the ground surface region 124 and the perimeter area thereof to melt the accumulated snow and ice. The conductive substrate is integrated into the various layers of the assembly 100. The conductive substrate is configured to conduct thermal energy while also inhibiting conduction of electricity generated by the electrical coil 112. The selective conduction enhances the efficiency of thermal conductivity and prevents electrocution and short circuits.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the assembly 100 comprises an upper panel 102 a-c. The upper panel 102 a-c is defined by a top layer 106 and a bottom layer 114. The upper panel 102 a-c has sufficient resilience to segment and fold. In one embodiment, the upper panel 102 a-c is segmental, such that it can be patterned, cut, and fitted over a predetermined ground surface region. For example, the upper panel 102 a-c is cut in a generally rectangular dimensions to match the surface area and contours of a driveway. Various tools, such as knives, scissors, and shovels with sharp edges may be used to segment the upper panel 102 a-c as needed.

The upper panel 102 a-c is also configured to bend when an external load is applied along any point on a longitudinal axis of the upper panel 102 a-c. In this manner, the upper panel 102 a-c can be folded or rolled up relatively easily. The foldable characteristic enables the upper panel 102 a-c to be customized for fitting into tight spaces. The foldable characteristic further enables folding for facilitated fitting and stowing, whereby the upper panel 102 a-c can be rolled into a cylinder for stowage. Additionally, the upper panel 102 a-c is sufficiently resilient, such that it provides a shock absorbing capacity. And as described above, the foldable characteristic enables segmentation of the upper panel 102 a-c into at least one module.

The top layer 106 of the upper panel 102 a-c accommodates a plurality of fibers 104 that simulate real grass. In this manner, the assembly 100 can be used in a residential yard, a driveway, a sporting field, and a garden. The fibers 104 are configured to substantially remain affixed to the top layer 106 while the upper panel 102 a-c bends, folds, or rolls up. The top layer 106 s also serve to conduct the thermal energy to melt the snow and ice. In one embodiment, the fibers 104 are aesthetic, such that the assembly 100 can be used year round, even when the possibility of snow and ice is not apparent.

As referenced in FIG. 3, the assembly 100 further include a lower panel 108 a-c that detachably attaches beneath the upper panel 102 a-c. An adhesive or other fastening mechanism known in the art may be used to securely join the lower panel 108 a-c to the upper panel 102 a-c. However in some embodiments, the panels 102 a, 102 b may sit freely onto each other with no fastening means. The lower panel 108 a-c is defined by a support layer 110 and a mount layer (not shown). The support layer 110 engages the bottom layer 114 of the upper panel 102 a-c. The lower panel 108 a-c is segmental like the upper panel 102 a-c. And the lower panel 108 a-c configured is configured to bend in substantially the same articulation as the upper panel 102 a-c.

The foldable characteristic of the lower panel 108 a-c and upper panel 102 a-c enables folding, rolling up, and manipulating the panels into various geometric shapes and sizes. The foldable and resilient properties further enable segmentation into at least one module for customizable fitting on the ground surface region 124. The foldable characteristic also enables the lower panel 108 a-c to be fit into tight spaces. The foldable characteristic further enables folding for facilitated fitting and stowing, whereby the lower panel 108 a-c, while attached to the upper panel 102 a-c, or independently thereof, can be rolled into a cylindrical configuration, or compacted into a planar configuration for stowage. (FIG. 4)

As illustrated in FIG. 5, an electrical coil 112 is disposed to at least partially embed into the lower panel 108 a-c. The electrical coil 112 follows a generally serpentine disposition, such that a substantial area of the lower panel 108 a-c is engaged by the electrical coil 112. The electrical coil 112 is configured to produce electricity for generating thermal energy. In one embodiment, the electrical coil 112 may include a heating element, a plurality of resistors, an inlet socket, an outlet socket, and a heat conductive housing.

In one embodiment, resistive thermal energy is produced from the electrical coil 112. For example, the resistive heating is operable through a plurality of resistors that resist the flow of electrical current through the electrical coil 112. This resistance to electrical current generates thermal energy. However, in other embodiments, other means of generating thermal energy through a heating coil may be used.

In some embodiments, the electrical coil 112 is configured to bend in substantially the same articulation as the upper panel 102 a-c. Despite having a flexible configuration, the electrical coil 112 is configured to remain operable for producing electricity while bending. Thus, the electrical coil 112 can be stowed after use. In this manner, the entire assembly 100 can be installed on the ground surface region 124 during the winter months and taken up during the summer months. The assembly 100 eliminates the need to shovel snow, and removes the danger of slipping on the ice on a driveway and walkway.

The assembly 100 further comprises a conductive substrate that is disposed approximately between the upper panel 102 a-c and the lower panel 108 a-c. The conductive substrate is configured to inhibit conduction of the electricity produced by the electrical coil 112. In this manner, shorts in the circuit or electrocution are prevented. However, the conductive substrate is configured to conduct thermal energy from the electrical coil 112 to the top layer 106 of the upper panel 102 a-c. The conductive substrate is also configured to bend in substantially the same articulation as the upper panel 102 a-c. In some embodiments, the conductive substrate may position between the upper panel 102 a-c and the lower panel 108 a-c, engaging the electrical coil 112. The conductive substrate may include a tar based material composition.

Looking now at FIG. 6, a power source 116 supplies electrical current to the electrical coil 112 through a power cable 120. The power source 116 may include an alternating current power supply or a direct current, such as a battery. However, as shown in FIG. 2, a solar panel may be used to provide renewable energy to the electrical coil 112. In yet another embodiment, a thermostat 118 helps regulate the flow of electrical current into the electrical coil 112. The thermostat 118 may be automated or manually set at a predetermined temperature, depending on the snow and ice conditions.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a lower panel 700 having a connection groove 702 for snap-fit interaction with an upper panel 102 a-c. The lower panel 700, in this embodiment, forms a snap-fit mating relationship with the upper panel 102 a-c. A connection groove 702 forms a depression along the edges of the lower panel 700 that corresponds to a similarly shaped and sized protrusion from the upper layer 102 a-c. A connection groove receiver 704 also forms on the edge to form a perimeter for the lower panel 700. At least one mounting hole 706 enables various fasteners to pass through for securing the upper panel 102 a-c.

The lower lip 708, when the panel 700 is mated with another panel such as a panel 800, defines a lateral recess for receiving a lateral or upper cantilever from an adjacent panel.

FIG. 8 is a sectioned top view of an alternative embodiment of an upper panel 800 overlaying the lower panel 700. In this embodiment, at least one base connector 802 is used for fastening the upper panel 800 to the lower panel 700. The base connector 802 works in conjunction with the snap-fit mating configuration. Further, an integrated heat wire system 804 intertwines in various patterns through the upper panel 800 to generate heat, as described above.

The upper panel 800 may comprise a lateral cantilever 806 which comprises a tab or cantilever juts or protrudes laterally from the panel 800 for the purposed or being receiving by a lateral recess on an adjacent panel. The lateral recess may be defined partially by a lower lateral lip 708.

The panel 800 may also comprise an upper cantilever 808 which like inserts and interlocks with a lower recess on an adjacent panel. The cantilevers 806, 808 are both tapered at their distal ends as shown.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a solar panel 902 powering the heat wire system 804. The solar panel 902 may include a photovoltaics module, a solar hot water panel, or a set of solar photovoltaics modules electrically connected and mounted on a supporting structure. In any case, the generated energy is renewable, and thus reduces supervision and maintenance costs. As depicted in FIG. 9, the solar panel directly connects to the heat wire system 804 for generating renewable energy. In some embodiments, a control module 900 may be used to regulate and monitor the solar panel 902, as needed.

FIG. 9 also illustrates the upper panel 102 a-c in a more customizable configuration. The upper panel 102 a-c may be cut with a sharp edge to form a desired shape; and thus may include at least one trimmed tile 906. The trimmed tile 906 may take any shape to conform to the ground surface on which the upper and lower panels 102 a-c, 108 a-c rest on. An edging 904 may also be used where the trimmed tile 906 was cut, in order to form a solid perimeter.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a backup battery 1000 disengaged from the solar panel 902. In some embodiments, the backup battery 1000 may be used with the solar panel 902 to generate energy when the sun is not emitting light on the solar cells. Those skilled in the art will recognize that when the sun is not shining, such as in the cold winter days, is precisely the time when the assembly 100 must operate most efficiently. Thus, a more consistent form of energy, such as the backup battery 100 is utilized. However, the solar panel 902 may have the capacity to store energy, even when it is not being utilized.

As depicted in FIG. 11, a method 1100 of the present invention is presented for conducting thermal energy on a ground surface with a modular artificial turf assembly 100. The method 1100 in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described modular artificial turf assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the method 1100 includes an initial Step 1102 of determining a ground surface region 124 that requires thermal energy to melt ice or snow. The ground surface region 124 may include, without limitation, a driveway, a yard, a walkway, a roadway, and a sports field. Generally, the ground surface region 124 is susceptible to accumulation of snow and ice, whereby the assembly 100 covers a predetermined area thereof.

The method 1100 also may include a Step 1104 of segmenting a lower panel 108 a-c into at least one module that substantially matches the size and dimensions of the lower panel 108 a-c. The lower panel 108 a-c is segmental, such that it can be patterned, cut, and fit over a predetermined ground surface region 124. For example, the lower panel 108 a-c is cut in a generally rectangular dimensions to match the surface area and contours of a driveway. A Step 1106 comprises overlaying the predetermined ground surface region 124 with a lower panel 108 a-c. The lower panel 108 a-c can be placed directly over the ground surface region, or may include fastening means, such as tape, adhesive, or screws to secure the lower panel 108 a-c into place.

In a further embodiment, the method 1100 includes a Step 1108 of segmenting an upper panel 102 a-c into at least one module that substantially match the size and dimensions of the lower panel 108 a-c. Similar to the lower panel 108 a-c, the upper panel 102 a-c can be cut for fitting onto the lower panel 108 a-c and generally matching the size and dimensions of the predetermined ground surface region 124.

A Step 1110 may then include overlaying the lower panel 108 a-c with the upper panel 102 a-c. The lower panel 108 a-c is defined by a support layer 110 and a mount layer. The support layer 110 engages the bottom layer 114 of the upper panel 102 a-c. An adhesive or other fastening mechanism known in the art may be used to securely join the lower panel 108 a-c to the upper panel 102 a-c.

Another Step 1112 comprises folding the upper panel 102 a-c and the lower panel 108 a-c to form a precise fit over the ground surface region 124. The foldable characteristic also enables the lower panel 108 a-c to be customized for fitting into tight spaces. The foldable characteristics of the upper panel 102 a-c and the lower panel 108 a-c enable folding, rolling up, and manipulating the panels 102 a, 108 a into various geometric shapes and sizes for facilitated fitting and stowing, whereby the lower panel 108 a-c, while attached to the upper panel 102 a-c, or independently thereof, can be rolled into a cylinder for stowage.

The next Step 1114 involves providing electrical current from a power source 116 to an electrical coil 112 embedded in the lower panel 108 a-c. The power source 116 may include an alternating current power supply or a direct current, such as a battery. However, as shown in FIG. 2, a solar panel may be used to provide renewable energy to the electrical coil 112. In yet another embodiment, a thermostat 118 helps regulate the flow of electrical current into the electrical coil 112.

A Step 1116 comprises producing resistive electricity in the electrical coil 112. The electrical coil 112 is configured to generate thermal energy through resistive heating, wherein the resistive heating is operable through a plurality of resistors that resist the flow of electrical current through the electrical coil 112.

The method 1100 may further include a Step 1118 of generating thermal energy in the electrical coil 112 from the resistive electricity. The thermal energy generated through resistive heating travels from the electrical coil 112 for the purpose of melting the snow and ice on the top layer 106 of the upper panel 102 a-c, and around the edges of the assembly 100. A next Step 1120 comprises inhibiting the conduction of the electricity with a conductive substrate. The conduction of thermal energy is enhanced by the inhibition of electrical current conduction. Further, the danger of electrocution is removed by inhibiting the conduction of electrical current. This is especially important since the melting snow and ice forms water that can cause electrocution and shorts in the circuitry.

In some embodiments, Step 1122 comprises conducting the thermal energy from the lower panel 108 a-c to a top layer 106 of the upper panel 102 a-c through the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate is configured to conduct thermal energy from the electrical coil 112 to the top layer 106 of the upper panel 102 a-c. The conductive substrate is also configured to bend in substantially the same articulation as the upper panel 102 a-c. The conductive substrate may include a tar based material composition.

A final Step 1124 includes folding the assembly 100 for stowage. The foldable, resilient characteristics of the upper panel 102 a-c, lower panel 108 a-c, electrical coil 112, and the conductive substrate allow for folding, rolling, up to stow the assembly 100 when the possibility of snow or ice is diminished. However, in some embodiments, the aesthetic qualities of the fibers 104 on the top layer 106 and the shock absorption properties of the panels 102 a, 108 a provide additional benefits that justify use of the assembly 100 even when there is no snow or ice.

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplar driveway for retrofitting in accordance with the present invention. The driveway 1202 is made of cement in the shown embodiment, but may be made of asphalt, gravel, and the like. A house 1204 and lawn 1206 are shown at the end of the driveway.

FIG. 12B illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplar driveway retrofitted in accordance with the present invention.

A recesses or channel is sawed into the driveway 1202 using a concrete saw or other means known to those of skill in the art. An electrical coil 1252, formed to resist electrical current and emanate heat is embedded (i.e., recessed) into the channel cut by the concrete saw. This channel and the electrical coil 1252 may cross the driveway 1202 is bidirectional or boustrophedon fashion. Both ends of the electrical coil may connect to a control box 1254 which may be internal or external to the house 1204.

The control box provides an operator with the control necessary to regulate electrical current to the electrical coil 1252, including, in some embodiments, timers for scheduling flow to the electrical coil 1252. The electrical coil 1252 may comprise an elongated, flexible heating element.

FIG. 13 is an entity-relationship diagram in accordance with the present invention. A cross-segment of the driveway 1202 is shown. The driveway 1202 is sawed, grooved or channeled with a concreted saw 1302. Electrical coil 1 1252 is embedded, laid, segmented, or recessed into the channel 1306.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for conducting thermal energy across a retrofitted ground surface, the method comprising: determining a cement ground surface region that requires thermal energy to melt ice or snow; cutting a boustrophedon channel into the cement ground surface region using a cement saw; embedding a resistive electrical coil into the directional channel such that the cement ground surface is retrofit with the electrical coil; providing electrical current from a control box to the electrical coil embedded in the lower panel; generating thermal energy in the electrical coil from resistive electricity traveling the electrical coil; and emanating heat across the cement ground surface.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the boustrophedon channel with a polymeric adhesive after embedding the resistive electrical coil. 